- Sitting for more than eight hours a day can increase your risk of dying, similar to that of obesity and smoking.
- Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from UV rays, as well as wrinkles around the eyes.
- Lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep.
- Ignoring minor aches and pains can be dangerous as it might be a sign of a larger underlying health issue.
Everyone knows how important it is to take care of their health. You eat healthy, exercise regularly, and try your best to manage stress levels. However, there are some small behaviors that you tend to overlook, but they can actually be quite dangerous to your health in the long run.
These small habits could be things that you do every day without even realizing it. In this blog, you will learn about a few of these behaviors that might be putting your health at risk and what you can do to change them.
Sitting for Long Periods of Time
Everyone knows that sitting for long periods is not good for your health. However, did you know it can increase your risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes? According to studies, if you sit for more than eight hours a day without engaging in any physical activity, you put yourself at the same risk of dying as you do by being obese or smoking. If you have a desk job, taking frequent breaks, getting up, and moving around to counteract the adverse effects of sitting is essential.
Not Wearing Sunglasses
Did you know that not wearing sunglasses can be harmful to your eyesight? Exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of cataracts and other eye problems. Wearing sunglasses not only shields your eyes from harmful rays but also assists in averting wrinkles around the eyes. So, be sure to wear sunglasses on sunny days, even if it’s just for a short period.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. However, many people overlook the importance of a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Aim to get between seven to nine hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule to improve the quality of your sleep.
Ignoring Minor Aches and Pains
Ignoring minor aches and pains might seem like a small thing, but it can actually be quite dangerous. These small pains could be a sign of a larger underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. Here are some examples:
Chest pain
Chest pain could indicate a heart issue like a heart attack. It can also be a sign of lung issues like asthma or COPD. If you experience chest pain, it’s important to get it checked out by your doctor as soon as possible.
Back pain
Back pain is often caused by an underlying issue such as sciatica or arthritis. Left untreated, these conditions can become worse and cause more serious health problems. If you experience back pain, be sure to get it checked out by your doctor.
Headaches
Regular headaches could indicate a migraine or other serious neurological condition. It’s important to get these checked out as soon as possible.
Muscle aches and pains
Muscle aches and pains could be a sign of an underlying issue such as arthritis or an injury. Be sure to get these checked out by your doctor as soon as possible.
By paying more attention to these minor aches and pains, you can identify and address any potential underlying health issues before they become more serious.
Clenching Your Jaw
Clenching your jaw can cause severe headaches, neck, and shoulder pain, and even damage your teeth. Try to relax your jaw when you feel yourself clenching it. Or better yet, try to get a custom-made soft occlusal splint.
This device will help keep your jaw in a more relaxed position and reduce the tension in the muscles of your face. It can also help with jaw pain and headaches. Not to mention they’re removable devices, so you don’t have to wear them all the time.
Holding Your Pee
Holding your urine for too long can be harmful to your health. It can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even kidney damage. If you feel the urge to pee, don’t hold it in for too long. Make sure to take breaks as often as you need to use the bathroom.
It’s essential to take care of your health, but sometimes you overlook small behaviors that can significantly impact your well-being. From sitting for too long and not wearing sunglasses to ignoring minor aches and pains or holding your pee – these seemingly harmless habits could put you at risk for serious health issues. By taking the time to recognize these behaviors and make changes where necessary, you will be able to protect yourself from potential harm in the future.
